WSOF to launch amateur series in 2015, promises to award pro contracts

WSOF to launch amateur series in 2015, promises to award pro contracts

The Las Vegas-based WSOF organization will try its hand and promoting amateur MMA fights in 2015.

In addition to hosting a full slate of professional events, MMAjunkie today learned from WSOF President Ray Sefo that the promotion plans to launch a “U.S. National Amateur Division” early next year.

“As we continue to grow our company and our roster at World Series of Fighting, we believe it’s important to be working to identify future stars of the sport,” Sefo said. “This new division will allow us to do exactly that, as we seek to build on a grassroots level. This will allow us to help promising young fighters grow their entire career under the World Series of Fighting banner.”

Details such as where and when the first event of the new amateur series will take place are still in the works, but Sefo said there will be four regional sections to the new division: new circuit will be divided into four regions: East, Mountain, South and West.

While Sefo suggested a tournament structure could be in place, he said a future announcement will reveal the company’s exact plans. However, Sefo did say selected “winners” will make their professional debuts live on NBC Sports Network.